Join us September 6, 2024, for Meeting Street Music Fest's Waterfront Warm-Up at the West Columbia Riverwalk Amphitheater from 6 PM to 9 PM, to kick off the music-filled weekend! This special evening will serve as a prelude to the highly anticipated Meeting Street Music Fest. After releasing four Top Ten Billboard albums, North Carolina based Nu-Blu has quickly established themselves as one of the top Acoustic acts in the music industry, delivering a set of songs that range from the melancholy to the exuberant, and at every step they prove they’ve got a knack for finding their way into the deeper parts of you. Nu-Blu is poised to make 2024 one of their biggest years yet. With new music on the horizon, they’re looking to carry on that momentum after recently partnering with MC1 Nashville and Turnberry Records on an upcoming dual-label release. They’re also carrying on their hosting duties of “Bluegrass Ridge,” plus have a jam-packed tour schedule. Needless to say, Nu-Blu is more focused and determined than ever to bring their music to more and more fans throughout the world. Who knows, they might even have a major surprise or two that’s announced unexpectedly.

WAR, one of music’s defining and most enduring soul/funk groups, was founded in Long Beach, California, in 1962. In 1970, producer Jerry Goldstein united the seven-piece band with former Animals lead singer Eric Burdon; the alliance produced the No. 1 worldwide hit “Spill the Wine.” Stepping out on their own in 1971, they launched a fruitful career with a dynamic sound that fused R&B, rock, Latin music, jazz, and blues. In 1973, their smash album The World is a Ghetto vaulted to No. 1 on Billboard’s pop and R&B charts behind the crossover success of two top-10 singles, the album’s socially conscious title song and its rollicking follow-up “The Cisco Kid.” Over a long and glittering career, WAR has rung up more than 20 multi-platinum, platinum and gold albums and singles. This year, fronted by co-founding member Lonnie Jordan, the group will celebrate 50 years of 1973’s #1 Billboard top-selling album, The World is a Ghetto, with a 50-date summer tour, remixes, new releases and more.

Who’s Bad’s power-packed tribute to Michael Jackson has ignited crowds on every continent and can only be described as a jaw-dropping, musical must-see. As the longest-running Michael Jackson tribute band, and the only one to predate his untimely passing, Who’s Bad has sold out nearly 50 venues in the United Kingdom including London’s O2 where the King of Pop was slated to end his career. Over 100 years of collective professional experience and sold-out shows at every major House of Blues, Colorado’s Bluebird Theatre, LA’s Gibson Amphitheatre as well as international pavilions such as Ningbo Grand Theatre (China), Romania’s Sala Palatalui to Teatro do Bourbon Country (Porto Alegre, Brazil) tell the story: no corner of the earth is safe from this infectious party production.

Seventy Six and Sunny first debuted in the fall of 2012 claiming Columbia, South Carolina as their home. The band was formed by lifelong best friends A.J. Lang (vocals/guitar) and David Kesling (drums). Tim Byrd (keys/guitar) was brought on, growing up in the same area of South Carolina and playing in other groups with A.J. and David. Jawann Stuckey (bass) rounded out the group and the foursome had an undeniable effect on audiences throughout the Midlands. Prior to playing any shows, Seventy Six... released a 3-song self-titled EP in August of 2012. Led by

George Fetner and the Strays “unleash their leathery loose-limbed approximation of Bacchus with a blowtorch” (Free Times), have been praised as “a herd of magnanimous proportions that turns any stage into a groove-laden party” (Jasper Project), and “since adding a full horn section to their lineup, their stage show has become an all-out swagger fest” (Post and Courier). The band continues to grow its fan base with festival performances and club shows across the Southeast, sharing stages with bands such as Big Something, The Vegabonds, Circles Around the Sun, Doom Flamingo, Moon Taxi, and Blues Traveler.

Brittany Turnipseed, affectionately known as the "Southern Songbird," hails from South Carolina, where her musical journey began. With a seamless blend of Southern charm and soulful melodies, Brittany has become a beloved figure both locally and beyond. Her performances include a blend of jazz, soul, funk, and old school R&B. At live shows, expect a fusion of improvised jazz, neo-soul, storytelling, and more-get ready to laugh, cry, and have an absolute ball! Her frequent performances at Columbia's Chayz Lounge have garnered a dedicated following, while her talent has afforded her opportunities to open for revered artists such as Melba Moore, Eric Roberson, and The Isley Brothers. Brittany's versatility shines whether she's accompanying live performances for the South Carolina Ballet or paying homage to blues icon Drink Smalls on SCETV. Her rising star status was solidified by winning the top prize at the Apollo Theater's Amateur Night in Harlem. Beyond her musical prowess, Brittany is a loving wife and mother, exemplifying the essence of Southern roots charm. With her captivating voice and unyielding passion, she continues to delight audiences, ensuring her lasting presence in the realm of music.

The Mustache Brothers rely on lively acoustic instrumentation and tight vocal harmonies to deliver their unique blend of bluegrass, classic country and rock and roll. Armed with acoustic guitars, a mandolin, and an upright bass, the Columbia-native Brothers build upon influences such as Tony Rice, ShawnCamp, and Ryan Adams for a sound that is both as fresh and exciting as it is classic. Since forming in 2012, the Brothers have gained a devoted following through their energetic live performances all across the great state of South Carolina. Look for the Brothers to continue honing their sound with regular performances throughout the southeast.

Nick Chandler and Delivered is a hard driving traditional bluegrass band from Western North Carolina. Over the past few years Nick Chandler and Delivered have captured the attention of bluegrass fans world wide. Nick Chandler was included in the IBMA Songwriter Showcase for 2020 with the band’s hit tune "Big Bill Johnson" and they are an IBMA 2022 Official Showcase Artist. This band has been delighting crowds all over the country with their original songs, tight harmonies, and crowd pleasing shows. Nick Chandler has traveled the country for many years delighting crowds with his extraordinary mandolin talents. Nick is a master on the mandolin and has won numerous awards stating the same. His talent for writing and arranging songs is evident and his love for bluegrass shows in every note that he plays. Jamie Sparks plays banjo and sings a variety of parts. He is from Bristol, VA and he is one of the most animated and talented banjo players you will be lucky enough to see in action. Gary Trivette plays the bass and sings all parts. Gary brings so much passion and excitement to the stage. He is an amazing bass player and excellent songwriter as well. Together Nick Chandler and Delivered creates a sound that is traditional yet original straight up bluegrass. Nick Chandler and Delivered. Live it. Love it. Bluegrass

Willie Wells, the son of the late Bill Wells has always been on the music scene. Since the early 70’s, Willie has played drums, sang lead and harmony vocals. Willie and another musician friend organized a country music group called “CHOYCE" that ran for more than twenty years. Having early country music and bluegrass influence from his father, Willie continued to develop and expand his musical direction toward recording studio production. The past ten to twelve years is when the Bluegrass influence kicked back in which prompted Willie to dedicate his musical direction to continue the Bluegrass legacy that his father started. Being inspired by his father to play guitar and to be at the helm of the “Blue Ridge Mtn. Grass” (BRMG) that his father started some forty years ago, Willie is keeping his father’s wishes to preserve Bluegrass music alive in South Carolina. Today the band is a mix of traditional and contemporary Bluegrass with some new arrangements of old songs as well as a mix of original songs. Their high energy stage show and stage presence keeps the audience engaged and into the music. Currently with the Sun Sound recording label with four albums to their credit, Willie Wells and BRMG are quickly growing in popularity and demand.

The McKoy Brothers Band, made up of three brothers, Mike, Steve, and Randy McKoy, along with Bob Strickland, is a top-level Classic Country and Southern Music Band. Focusing on top level playing on multiple instruments, this group blends classic genres into a crowd pleasing and exciting performances that won't be matched this side of Nashville. They present the music of Haggard Jones, Cash, Waylon, Hank, CCR, L.S., Jerry Lee and other legends. With decades of experience, they'll hold you spell bound with songs they played since their youth. Make no mistakes about it, they truly are the "Real McKoy's".

August first began dancing in 2017 when he took an elective dance course while studying engineering at USC. Starting with, as his teacher put it, three left feet; he never thought he would ever take to social dancing. Six years later, he can’t stay away from a dance floor! Carolina/Modern Shag is his primary form of dance, and it has a special place in his heart as a Carolinian. He also dances Blues/Fusion and West Coast Swing. He has a reputation of being capable of teaching shag at all levels. He frequents Bill’s Music Shop & Pickin’ Parlor most Thursday with the Modern Shag Group.

Cody was born and raised in the inland northwest and grew up around cattle ranches and rodeos. After a short time as a bull rider, he began writing and singing country music which led to a career as a country singer and radio DJ. Concerts and events took him all over the northwest developing skills as an entertainer, MC, DJ, and country dancer for the last 20 years. Cody is most proficient in the two step and Western swing dances. Today, Cody teaches those dances and DJs at Bill's Music Shop and Pickin’ Parlor in West Columbia, South Carolina.

Joyce absolutely loves teaching line dancing and has been doing so for 5 years. She discovered line dancing after retiring and fell in love with it, along with all the new friends she met, the fun social aspect of dancing and the mental challenge of learning new dance steps and combinations. Joyce also met and fell in love with her now husband, Nathan, while line dancing at Bill’s Pickin’ Parlor in West Columbia, and Nathan regularly assists her with lessons at Bill’s! Joyce brings her teaching background and experience from the University of South Carolina where she worked with undergraduate students in the Exercise Science Dept. Joyce is an ACSM certified Exercise Physiologist and has had past certifications to teach the Tai Chi for Arthritis and the Tai Chi for Energy programs through Dr. Paul Lam and the Tai Chi for Health Institute. Currently Joyce is teaching intermittent line dance sessions at Bill’s Pickin’ Parlor and has 2 weekly classes at the Kershaw County Parks & Recreation Center in Camden. She has also been an instructor for several of the Bette’s Weekend and the Dreamin’ and Dancin’ Workshops. “Dance with your heart and your feel will follow!”

Jan has been dancing since she was 8 years old, she has mastered all types of dancing from classical ballet, Swing, Ballroom, Line Dancing to Square Dancing. Her role at Bill’s Music Shop & Pickin’ Parlor for the past 8 years has had a concentration on the dancing community to inspire and teach popular dances such as Shag, Line Dancing, Country style dances including Two-Step, and Social dancing. She’s had the opportunity to work with some of the best local popular dance instructors in South Carolina. Bill’s offers Shag dancing instruction every Thursday night with dance instructor Denton Williamson and 4-week line dance series with Joyce and Nathan Powell, and 4 week dance series Country Two-Step with Cody Davis. She works closely with the proprietor of Bill’s Music Shop & Pickin’ Parlor, Willie Wells (husband) to coordinate dance events for monthly holidays and with dance bands as well as the DJs Ed McDaniel and Cody Davis. Bill’s offers an environment which encourages all ages to share the dance floor. Jan’s ability to coordinate successful dance events over the years has been a joy and fulfilling experience for her. Especially coordinating with the younger dancers and watching them grow with their dance ability. She continues in her role to coordinate live Music and Dancing, as well as DJ music to collaborate with local dance instructors to promote their style of dancing instruction. You can always find Jan at Bill’s Music Shop & Pickin’ Parlor on Thursdays and Saturdays encouraging dancing the best it can be. “See You on the Dance Floor”